Altitude Mountain Sickness


Altitude Mountain Sickness

In terms of physical preparation for Mont-Blanc, you should not only be in good physical condition, but also have tested your level of fitness at altitude. A first experience of an easier “4000” and at least one night spent recently at more than 3000 m will give you a better idea of your real condition.

PO2

With elevation, the drop in atmospheric pressure implies a rarefaction of  oxygen hence the need for the organism to adapt prior.

Oxygen pressure – 160 mm of mercury at sea level, 85 mm at the top of Mont Blanc : air is half rich in oxygen.

79% of people asked, once returned from a Mont-Blanc ascent, said they suffered from AMS : headaches, nausea,vomiting, oedema, insomnia, fatigue, dizziness, etc. These signs can persist and be invalidating or fatal (brain oedema in particular).

AMS spares nobody, even the best alpinist if not acclimatized

• Only one prevention : acclimatization !

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